James A. Jones tapped to serve remainder of Myers' term on Spartanburg 7 school board
The Spartanburg School District 7 Board of Trustees announced on Wednesday the appointment of James A. Jones to fill the vacant board seat of Kenneth Myers.
Jones was one of three qualified candidates who applied for the vacant District 7-1 seat on the nine-member board. He will be installed on April 20.
The other candidates were Star Douglas and Tammie Holbert.
The school board approved Jones' appointment at its regular board meeting Tuesday, April 11.
"Our board was fortunate to have three excellent candidates to consider, and we appreciate their interest and dedication in supporting our community's children," Board Chairwoman Sharon Porter said in a statement. "Our board was unanimous in selecting Mr. Jones to fill the unexpired term and we look forward to working alongside him as we serve all students, parents and staff across District Seven."
Jones replaces Myers, who died on Feb. 5. This is the last year of Myers' term on the board.
School board addresses vacancy Spartanburg District 7 trustees ID 3 applicants to fill vacant school board seat
District 7 spokeswoman Beth Lancaster said if Jones wants to serve beyond November, he must file for re-election by July 17.
Jones, 51, of Marion Avenue, Spartanburg, is a private immigration attorney with a juris doctor degree from Florida State University and a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Wofford College. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Epsilon Nu Chapter.
Jones attended District 7 schools from Park Hills Elementary and Carver Junior High to Spartanburg High School.
In his application, he said he would continue to advocate for "student achievement, development and growth so that like me, other students, without regard to socio-economic beginning, can have an opportunity for high achievement academically, athletically, professionally and socially.
"The skills, values and achievement I experienced in District Seven have guided me along my journey as I now run a solo law practice serving clients regionally and nationally based here in Spartanburg," he stated.
Lancaster said state law requires school boards in Spartanburg County to appoint a successor to fill unexpired board vacancies.
The school board opened an application process and invited candidates to address the board on March 29.
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: James A. Jones tapped to fill vacancy on Spartanburg 7 school board
